Cleanup Of Lakes Looks To Residents

Homeowners Who Undertake Shoreline Projects Can Get Cash To Help Cover The Cost.

February 4, 2002|By Christine Shenot, Sentinel Staff Writer

It's a common sight in Lake County and throughout Central Florida -- neighborhood lakes choking on cattails and algae, the fish and wading birds gone, the stench so strong at times that nobody wants to linger outside.

Homeowners can do a lot to fix the problem -- and, if they act soon, they may be able to get up to $12,000 to pay for lakeshore improvements.

The Florida Lake Management Society, backed by a grant from the Free Family Foundation, is offering matching funds to anyone who is planning shoreline improvements to bring back the health of their lake.

The awards have an educational focus, so the project should have strong community involvement. Whether that means involving Scout troops or homeowner association members, the idea is to encourage broad grass-roots action.

The lake should have public access, and explanatory signs are favored.

"We're really looking to educate people as to why you need to take care of your lake and what you can do," said Lucee Price, a board member with the nonprofit educational group.

Price said the group encourages people to get rid of cattails, primrose willow and other invasive plants that grow out of control.

Then, instead of replacing them with sandy beaches, use native plants such as pickerel weed, which will help prevent shoreline erosion and filter polluted runoff from lawns and roads.

Another way to fight pollution is by restoring or creating wetlands, Price said. Swale systems and small retention ponds also work.

Lakeshore projects can benefit wildlife as well. Native aquatic plants give young fish a place to hide and attract the wading birds that feed on them.

Applicants can match Lake Society funding with cash or labor.

In addition to getting "before" and "after" pictures -- the latter when the project is completed -- they should describe their plan in no more than four pages, provide an address and budget for the project and a drawing of proposed enhancements, with a list of any plants to be used.

Applicants also must obtain any required permits from cities, counties, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection or the water management district.